The Experiential Design Index

Top 10 Firms for Aquarium / Zoo Projects

Ranked by recency-weighted eligible project count at aquarium / zoo venues, 2021–2026. The 10 highest-scoring firms hold a numbered rank; 10 more firms with eligible activity are listed below the table.

Counts design-discipline credits only -- exhibit design, interpretive planning, media design, architecture, master planning, landscape architecture, environmental graphics, lighting design -- held in a role the firm offers as a standalone service. Fabrication, AV integration, and consulting credits appear on project pages but don't place a firm on this list. Standard recency weighting and sourcing bonus apply.

Counts reflect the work this index has recorded, not a census of any firm's total output — coverage depth varies by firm — and a position here implies no judgment of design quality.

RankScore FirmHQEligible projects
13.5 CambridgeSeven Cambridge, MA Mote Science Education Aquarium (2025), Virginia Aquarium South Building and Vet Center (2024), WOW! Interactive Projection Wall (2023), Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium (2023)
22.8 LMN Architects Seattle, WA Forest Trailhead (2026), Ocean Pavilion — Aquarium Exhibition Design (2024), Ocean Pavilion — Rooftop Interpretation (2024)
32.7 PGAV Destinations St. Louis, MO Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience (2025), Wonder of Water (Rotunda) (2024), SeaWorld Yas Island Core Exhibits (2023)
42.1 Main Street Design Waltham, MA Asia (2023), Dauphin Island Sea Lab Revitalization (2023), Primate Forest (2021)
51.9 Roto Dublin, OH Mote Science Education Aquarium (2025), Hamilton Family Aquarium (2024)
61.7 Eskew Dumez Ripple New Orleans, LA WOW! Interactive Projection Wall (2023), Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium (2023)
71.7 Split Rock Studios Minneapolis, MN Main Exhibit Hall Renovation (2026), Conservation Action Center (2021)
81.6 CLR Design Philadelphia, PA Forest Trailhead (2026), Primate Forest (2021)
91.6 Thinc Design New York, NY Ocean Pavilion — Aquarium Exhibition Design (2024), Wonder of Water (Rotunda) (2024)
101.2 Dimensional Innovations Overland Park, KS Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance Signage and Wayfinding (2024), Amphibian and Reptile Center (2021)

Also active in this category

Firms with eligible activity in the window that fall outside the ranked table — fewer than 2 eligible projects, or a score below the top 10. Listed alphabetically, not ranked.

FirmHQEligible projects
Available Light Boston, MA Wonder of Water (Rotunda) (2024)
Ayers Saint Gross Baltimore, MD Harbor Wetland (2024)
Bearing Architecture Portland, OR Nature Play Area, Amphitheater & Lobby Renovation (Capital Campaign Phase 1) (2022)
Cortina Productions McLean, VA WOW! Interactive Projection Wall (2023)
Eos Lightmedia Vancouver, BC WOW! Interactive Projection Wall (2023)
Ideum Corrales, NM Wildlife Explorers Basecamp Interactive Exhibits (2022)
Lightswitch Chicago, IL Hamilton Family Aquarium (2024)
Taylor Studios Rantoul, IL Great Lakes 360 (2024)
The Exhibits Dept. Pacific Grove, CA Main Exhibit Hall Renovation (2026)
tvsdesign Atlanta, GA Mote Science Education Aquarium (2025)